- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels. Dry skin helps achieve a crispier finish in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season
Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper over the chicken. Mix thoroughly so every drumstick is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate.
Step 5: Cook
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes.
Flip each drumstick.
Continue cooking for another 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra crispy skin, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
Step 6: Rest
Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy.
Tips for the Best Results
- Dry the chicken well before seasoning.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Flip halfway through cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer chicken drumsticks with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Garden salad
- Rice
- Garlic bread
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Boneless chicken is not recommended for this recipe, as cooking times will differ.
- Add your favorite seasoning blend for a different flavor profile.
- For a smoky taste, increase the smoked paprika slightly.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free seasonings.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Potassium: 260mg